Just what is the difference between “modern” interior design and “contemporary”? Is there actually a difference? And how do I get a contemporary look in my mobile home? You’ve probably asked these questions before. In the design world, it’s often difficult to know where one style starts and another ends. The truth is, there are many styles that overlap and play off each other. And if other design trends are guilty of this mixing, matching, and overlapping, contemporary is the guiltiest of them all!
Today we’re going to clear up the mystery surrounding contemporary design. And, along the way, we’ll be giving you a few tips and a lot of inspiration for bringing contemporary style into your own mobile home.
Contemporary design explained
Contemporary borrows so much from so many different sources because it’s constantly evolving. Contemporary design has been a prominent interior style since the ’70s. As you might expect, the ’70s version of contemporary looked a lot different than it does today. Contemporary literally means “belonging to or occurring in the present.” Whatever is trending at the moment directly informs what contemporary design looks like in any given year.
So there’s no magic formula, you ask? Well, there may be no easy answers, but there are a few things you can use as general guidelines. Still, good contemporary designers have to be up to date on what’s trending at the moment. Applying a little time to research and learning to recognize a trend when you see it will go a long way toward helping you to create a mobile home you’ll be proud of.
Tip #1 – Curves and lines get first dibs
Contemporary design has roots in the art deco movement of the 1920s and ’30s, so it’s no wonder that lines are so important here. For instance, bare, curtainless windows are a must in a contemporary home. You wouldn’t want to cover up those clean, geometric shapes that the panes make.
Functionality is something that gets predominance in every home, right? Not necessarily – at least not in this case. There are some strict rules in contemporary design, even if they’re a bit on the abstract side. One example – every line, whether straight or curved, is important. (No room for maximalism here with this mentality!) Another principle? Uncluttered, open spaces, with plenty of natural light, is what contemporary design is all about. Every line plays a part in the harmony that makes up a room. One way to train your eye to see this is by looking at contemporary architecture.
Tip #2 – Stick with neutral colors
Neutral colors are the second defining characteristic of this style. Although pops of color are certainly permitted, the dominant color pallete should be neutral. Usually, a bright white is used as a dominant color, although gray, blue, black, and brown are popular as well.
You won’t find any rustic elements in a contemporary home, although wood, at least at the moment, is essential. Metals, such as gold and silver accents, counteract any feeling of rusticism and bring a feeling of updated class to a room. Also, one difference between modern and contemporary design is that modern design usually features more diffused or muted colors. On the other hand, with contemporary, any color that is added should be saturated – a pure color – not mixed with whites, blacks, or grays.
Think about adding color in an unexpected way, with unexpected materials. Here are some ideas we love:
- Solid-color floors
- Geometric kitchen backsplash
- Painted ceiling beams
- Colorful sofas, armchairs, and dining chairs
- Windows (Plenty of windows, especially if you have a beautiful view, can lend good color to room so you don’t have to work as hard to get it!)
Tip #3 – Add class without breaking the bank
Don’t worry – you don’t have to spend a fortune to live in a contemporary mobile home. Contemporary is usually associated with state-of-the-art pieces and all the newest gadgets. Despite what magazine pictures tell you, this can be done on a budget. You just need an eye for the artistic. Ultimately, that’s what makes contemporary style what it is. No amount of money can buy the art of interior design.
Contemporary mobile home design
So there you have it. We hope you come away from this with a fresh perspective on what contemporary design is and how you can pull it off. In a mobile home, no less. Creating a home that you love doesn’t have to mean huge spaces, a large wallet, or even a perfect plan. Contemporary, of all the design trends out there, is the most forgiving because all you need to do is follow two or three basic rules. How you get to the end product is up to you!
And if you need more design inspiration for your mobile home’s interior, take a look at our guide to an open concept mobile home.
About EZ Homes Design Team
